Lightning Over Water (1980)

57% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(634 ratings)

Lightning Over Water is a penetrating documentary of the last days of cult film director Nicholas Ray. The film was lovingly assembled by Wim Wenders, whose idolatry of Ray is obvious in virtually every frame of his own work. Dying slowly of cancer, Ray reflects on a lifetime of accomplishments,… More Lightning Over Water is a penetrating documentary of the last days of cult film director Nicholas Ray. The film was lovingly assembled by Wim Wenders, whose idolatry of Ray is obvious in virtually every frame of his own work. Dying slowly of cancer, Ray reflects on a lifetime of accomplishments, failures and compromises, with plenty of screen time given over to his reminiscences of Joan Crawford, James Dean and others who appeared in his films. Most of the film was lensed in Ray's modest New York City loft, a sharp and poignant contrast to the comparative luxury of his Hollywood years. Lightning Over Water has also been released as Nick's Film. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Nicholas Ray, Wim Wenders
Written By: Nicholas Ray, Wim Wenders
Genres: Documentary, Television, Special Interest

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1980 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004

Critic Reviews

Vincent Canby, New York Times
Lightning Over Water is chaotic, emotionally and esthetically.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A poignant and often painful film in which Wenders and the terminally ill Ray attempt to make a film together in the last days before Ray's death in 1979.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Unquestionably the worst movie of Wim Wenders' career and indeed one of the worst movies ever made...
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Wenders adds in some cruddy early-80s video from time to time, and the film is an odd mixture of powerful emotions and rambling nothingness.
, Time Out
Even with its painful contradictions and discomfitures, it's that current rarity: one for the heart.
, Film4
It is obviously a sincere homage from a younger director to the older man, but it remains dubious and smacks of exploitation.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Lightning over Water is a fascinating documentary of sorts, it's an interesting project I've not seen before or since anyway. Nicholas Ray was a charismatic director and also a bit of a workaholic, only really truly happy when working on a film. That is where it's hard… More
Lightning over Water is a fascinating documentary of sorts, it's an interesting project I've not seen before or since anyway. Nicholas Ray was a charismatic director and also a bit of a workaholic, only really truly happy when working on a film. That is where it's hard to say if it was all planned or if wenders took advantage, as at times it is quite an uncomfortable film to watch, even for the more hardened voyeur. I think only two filmmakers such as Wenders and Ray could have actually pulled it off to be honest and it's a pleasure to be able to watch what is a very personally film for both of them. The last interview with Ray is something that stayed with me for days but then so was the image of the old sailing ship floating in New York bay. Not for everyone but for fans of either Ray and/or Wenders it's a must.